Page 3 - How do I Use Compass Database Organization

How do I Use Compass Database Organization

• A key is a column or combination of columns that identifies a row of data as unique in a relational
database table. Business rules can impact the assignment of table keys.

• For example, because Shear Style has no customers with the same exact name, the key field for the
Customer Table is Owner Name. However, if this were not the case, the combination of Owner Name and
Phone may be needed to uniquely identify a row of data in the Customer Table.

Owner Name Address Phone Pet Name

Watkins, George 1378 First Street, Livermore 925-838-2367 Duke

Strudler, Ari 48 Juniper Court, San Ramon 925-583-9074 Agnes

Hayes, William 96 Sprint Street, Pleasanton 925-893-0621 Scout

Key

Key fields are important identifiers in relational databases. They enable the user to extract specific and exclusive
information from the database.
As the owner of Shear Style, you want to get the appropriate information you need to mail each customer a
reminder of his or her pet's next grooming appointment. You want to include the client's name and address, the
pet's name and breed, and the appointment date. This information resides in three separate tables, but you can
select the data you want to see from each one.

Pet Name Pet Type Owner Name Size Comments

Duke German Shephard Watkins, George Large Tends to run away

Agnes Scottie Strudler, Ari Medium Growls and bites

Scout Australian Hayes, William Medium Super thick fur
Shephard

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